Valtteri Bottas’ manager Didier Coton is making noises about his driver staying with the Grove based team for 2017.
Last year there were rumours of a Ferrari drive which amounted to nothing, and for next year the scuderia are sticking with the Iceman to partner Vettel. The obvious choice is to remain with Williams.
“Valtteri has been very adamant about his commitment towards Williams since the beginning of this season, especially because of the change in the regulations for next year, and the trust he has in them,” Coton told Autosport.
“There is a bit of an unfinished story between those two, and he wants to commit as much as he can to the team.
“He is in F1 to win, the team, of course, has the same objective, and both are working hard to achieve it.
“Williams is a great team, with a lot of potential.
“They have demonstrated in the past two years what they can do, and there is more to come.
“And if I look at Valtteri’s commitment towards the team, the team should be happy to have him.”
Valtteri is looking to lead the contract talks himself after telling Didier he wanted a ‘hands on’ approach to the matter. Didier also acknowledged that there is no rush for an agreement to be reached.
“He has taken a lead on that, and he knows we are behind him at all times,” he said. “There is no rush [in terms of 2017 negotiations]. It’s not for me to predict.”
Good timing from the Bottas camp maybe? With the Williams team yet to confirm any drivers for 2017, it does appear to be the best option for the likeable Finn to stay on the grid.
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Bottas is like Huelkenberg – hailed like he is the next big thing only to fail to really beat a not very highly rated team mate. But maybe we all underestimated Massa and Perez.
I honestly think that has some to do with it. Both Massa and Perez have shown to be very good when they are comfortable in the team. Also, the cars could suit their driving style better. I think all four drivers are fantastic and are capable of winning a championship. Then again, that is just my opinion.
I still feel sorry for massa, having to surrender victory on the birthday of his accident. And I think Ferrari felt that way also.